As Elon Musk’s lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI proceeds, a pointed accusation from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman looms large over the case: the charge of hypocrisy. In a public spat preceding the lawsuit, Altman alluded to allegations that Musk himself manipulates his platform, X, to benefit his own companies and harm competitors.
This counter-accusation is a powerful rhetorical weapon that OpenAI will likely deploy throughout the legal battle. While the court will focus on the specific actions of Apple and OpenAI, the defense will almost certainly try to paint Musk as a pot calling the kettle black—a monopolist in his own right who has no standing to lecture others on fair competition.
Musk’s lawsuit is built on a foundation of moral and legal outrage, claiming his rivals have engaged in an “unlawful conspiracy.” Altman’s jab seeks to undermine that foundation by questioning Musk’s own business practices. It transforms the narrative from a principled stand to a squabble between two equally ruthless billionaires.
While OpenAI’s official response called the suit “harassment,” Altman’s earlier comment was far more specific and damaging. It pre-emptively frames Musk not as a crusader for open markets, but as a competitor using the courts to achieve what he cannot in the marketplace, all while engaging in similar behavior himself.
